Lifting Weights Helps Burn Calories Faster

If you want to give your weight loss efforts a real boost, why not try your hand at weight lifting? If the thought of weight lifting conjures up mental images of big, burly muscle-bound men lifting heavy weights, think again. Even if you don’t have any desire to lift heavy weights or become a bodybuilder, you can still use weight lifting to help yourself lose more weight faster. Here are some easy tips you can follow if you’d like to incorporate weight lifting into your weekly exercise regime.

Light Weights versus Heavy Weights

If you’re looking to build some serious muscle mass, then perhaps you might need to resort to lifting heavy weights. However, if all you want to do is build a bit of calorie-busting muscle while boosting your weight loss efforts, lightweight or moderate weights can be the perfect choice. Depending on your needs, you can choose from simple hand-held dumbbells, free weights or weight machines. If you have never tried weight training before, using weight machines can often be easier than learning to use free weights properly.

Should You Lift Weights Every Day?

In most cases, you’ll find that weight training produces the best results when it is engaged in on alternate days of the week. The theory behind this schedule revolves around the belief that muscle tissues can benefit from an every other day schedule. During the “off” days, your muscles can rest and recuperate. For a highly effective workout that will help you lose weight while also gaining muscle, alternate aerobic exercises with weight training on an every other day basis.
Strive for an All-Over Workout

It can also be helpful to vary your weight lifting so that you give all the major muscle groups a good workout. By doing so, you’ll be able to achieve a good overall level of fitness, without overworking any one part of your body. However, if you happen to have a problematic spot, such as a tendency towards weak upper body strength or flabby arms, then it can be helpful to focus some additional effort on these areas.

By working a wide variety of muscles, you’ll also be less likely to overstrain or overexert yourself. Although professional bodybuilders often spend huge amounts of time developing certain body areas, this is not generally the goal for the average individual. Instead, focus on getting an all-over workout that will strengthen and tone all the areas of your body. Not only will you look great, but you’ll also feel great too.